Nigeria: Fighting terror and separatism

24 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, Africa still feels the impact. In this AfricaLink podcast, DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to Fidele Amakye Owusu, a security analyst in Ghana, and DW's Zainabu Aziz, who closely followed the attacks in New York, to understand the global shockwaves from an African perspective.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu says the country has hit its 2025 revenue target ahead of schedule and won't need to borrow to fund its budget. Is this a genuine economic breakthrough or political spin? In this episode, DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed, an economist, and DW's Ben Shemang in Abuja to unpack what this means for Nigeria's economy, debt profile, and everyday citizens.

Hundreds of Ford workers in South Africa are about to lose their jobs. The company says it's about "optimising production," but behind that are bigger forces—collapsing exports to the US due to the Trump tariffs. Could this be the start of a wider jobs crisis in South Africa's auto industry? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to economist Theuns Thiens du Buisson and DW's Diane Walker in Johannesburg.

Burkina Faso has joined a growing list of African nations criminalizing same-sex relations. The new law has sparked outrage from human rights groups. In this podcast, AfricaLink speaks to Larissa Kojoue, a Human Rights Watch representative, and Angel Maxine, an LGBTQ+ activist from Ghana, where parliament passed a similar law that has yet to be signed into law.

Junta-led Niger cites its own citizens' struggles in obtaining Schengen visas. It's the latest move in a dramatic shift away from the West — and toward new allies like Russia, Turkey, and China. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to security analyst Beverly Ochieng, and DW's correspondent in West Africa, Bram Posthumus.

The Nigerian army claims the country is safer, but many citizens feel less secure than ever. With armed groups active in northern and southern states, and civilians caught in the crossfire, how do the authorities distinguish between separatists and terrorists? And how does the military plan to control them? Nigeria's army spokesman Tukur Gusau joins us Under The Baobab.

From Kebbi and Niger in the north to Lagos in the south, overloaded and poorly regulated boats capsize, leaving hundreds dead each year. So, why do they keep happening, and what will it take to improve safety? Host Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Captain Caleb Danladi, a seasoned maritime expert, and DW's Jamiu Abiodun — who's been documenting the wave of tragedies on Nigeria's waterways.

Peaceful protests are being met with intimidation, and colonial-era laws. From rising internet costs to demands for transparency, citizens — especially youth — are taking to the streets. But why is the government clamping down? Host Eddy Micah Jr. joins human rights activist Madi Jobarteh, and DW's Sankulleh Janko in Banjul, to unpack the tension between civic freedom and state control.

More than 130,000 Ugandan civil servants — about 35% of the public workforce — bribed their way into government jobs, according to Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government. Many lacked the required qualifications, leading to poor service delivery. How can the state turn this around? DW's Eddy Micah Jr speaks to academic and retired civil servant Tom Wanyakala, and DW's Frank Yiga in Kampala.

Mali's military rulers promised dignity and stability five years ago, but democracy has been sidelined, the economy is stagnant, and violence continues across the country. But how has the junta convinced enough Malians that they are on the right path? DW's George Okachi speaks to analyst Rida Lyammouri of the Policy Center for the New South and DW correspondent Bram Posthumus.